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Just as Galen had always envisioned, he regarded the raw power of the elements merely as a stepping stone, a means to a greater end. He harbored no desire for himself, or his beloved companions, to be irrevocably bound to them. The might of the four fundamental elements—earth, water, fire, and air—while formidable, was not considered top-tier in the grand cosmic scheme. After all, the six true cosmic forces did not even include the power of the elements. Galen felt, with unwavering conviction, that his current path, that of the Holy Light, held far greater promise.

Therefore, he unhesitatingly bestowed the Heart of Stone Mother upon Tharozan, the Crown of Flames upon Emberith, and the Staff of Wind upon Zephyros, gifting these ancient authorities to the three spirits of the Mistsong Isles. Now, only the Tide Crown remained to be secured. Galen would not show favoritism; Nymara would not be wronged. Moreover, the Windrunner sisters could harness the power of wind to achieve demigod status, and Vashj herself greatly needed the power of water. Hmm, he mused, perhaps if Vashj had any to spare after utilizing it, she could even share some with Jaina. After all, Jaina was his cherished junior sister.

With these thoughts, Galen returned to Stromgarde, his mind already set on the next objective. He prepared to issue orders to Admiral Taylor, commanding him to assemble the formidable Stromgarde naval fleet, readying them for a decisive voyage to Vashj'ir!

After years of relentless development and strategic accumulation, the naval fleet of Stromgarde had not merely caught up to, but had decisively surpassed, the old maritime power of Kul Tiras. It now stood as the single strongest naval force on all of Azeroth. Currently, the Stromgarde navy boasted a total of four distinct naval fleets and two specialized submarine squadrons. The strongest among them was the First Fleet, established earliest, now comprising a staggering two hundred third-rate battleships, all under the direct command of the esteemed Admiral Taylor.

This impressive might was, remarkably, the result of Galen deliberately suppressing its growth. Battleships and destroyers could be churned out from the shipyards with a mere order, but acquiring a ship was easy; finding skilled, experienced sailors was the true challenge. The progress of sailor training at the Heart of Origin simply could not keep pace with the speed at which new vessels could be launched. Originally, Galen had hoped to recruit personnel solely from Stromgarde's homeland, but the kingdom's burgeoning navy wasn't the only demand for sailors. Maritime trade also required a vast number of transport and escort ships. Stromgarde's foundational population was insufficient, and not many citizens possessed the necessary sailing knowledge. For this reason, Galen had even relaxed recruitment conditions, allowing citizens of member states of the Azeroth Grand Alliance to work for Stromgarde. Consequently, the navy now boasted a diverse crew, including humans, goblins, gnomes, tauren, and worgen. It was worth noting that the commander of the Stromgarde Second Fleet was a distinguished general from Gilneas named James Harrington, famously nicknamed 'Heart-ripper Wolf.'

The Royal Harbor, nestled in the southern part of Stromgarde's imperial city, was a colossal port, serving both military and civilian needs. Its construction had begun twenty years prior, and it remained the largest stone port on all of Azeroth. Currently, only Boralus Port and Stormwind Harbor, like Stromgarde Harbor, had abandoned traditional wooden docks in favor of more solid stone structures, aiming to increase port throughput and accommodate larger tonnage ships. The civilian area of the port was strategically located in the western part of the city, near the ancient Tower of Thoradin. The military port, however, was situated in the original Bay of Faldir. This location offered unparalleled geographical advantages, relying on the high mountain area to the north, which was not only easily defended but also protected the vital Strait of Sador to the east, ensuring secure sea passage between Stromgarde, Minas Tirith, and Eastwind Shore.

Within the Bay of Faldir, a formidable military port fortress had been constructed. This bastion was built using obsidian, meticulously baked at high temperatures from Blackrock Mountain, rendering it incredibly resilient. The entire fortress was bristling with over thirty cannons, their muzzles protruding from the dark, imposing walls. Not only the main fortress, but a large number of bunkers had also been built into the cliffs behind the military port, their gunports flashing with a strong, murderous aura.

Standing on the top platform of the fortress, Galen gazed out at the First Fleet, its mighty ships poised and ready to set sail for the south. A profound sense of satisfaction swelled within him.

This fleet! It was enough to slay a demigod!

"I command over two hundred ships, and the only one carrying my son is missing!" Galen mused, a quiet satisfaction settling in his heart. Just imagine, the Alliance's revered leader, Varian Wrynn, had commanded a mere two hundred ships back then. While not the entirety of Stormwind's maritime might, it represented a significant portion of the Alliance's naval power. And to think, Galen gloated inwardly, I effortlessly possess three fleets, each boasting over three hundred warships. Truly delightful.

As Galen indulged in this silent triumph, a burly figure approached, his broad shoulders draped in a crimson cloak. He wore a crisp captain's hat, and a navy-issued greatsword, a formidable weapon, rested securely on his back. This was none other than the esteemed commander of the naval fleet, Admiral Taylor of Stromgarde. The greatsword he carried was an epic weapon, forged specifically for him by the skilled blacksmiths of the Thorium Brotherhood at Galen's personal behest, its blade inscribed with a testament to his service: "Five-Year Outstanding General Award - Given by Galen Trollbane."

The King of Stromgarde was a Paladin, a fact that fostered an extraordinary devotion to the Holy Light among his people. Consequently, unlike Stormwind and Kul Tiras, many of Stromgarde's generals, including Taylor, had chosen to embrace the path of the Paladin. Taylor, who had begun his career as a humble sailor, had not only risen through the ranks over the years but had also achieved the formidable level of a high-ranking knight.

Taylor bowed respectfully behind Galen. Sensing the movement, Galen turned, offering a brief nod, and then gazed out towards the harbor, his voice clear and commanding. "Taylor, report on the current situation!"

The middle-aged admiral puffed out his chest, his voice ringing with pride and clarity. "Your Majesty, the sea area we are about to head to is located in the western part of Khaz Modan. Due to the great cataclysm caused by the infernal dragon not long ago, some reefs have risen there. After reconnaissance by Shadowblade agents, we speculate that there is a sunken giant island beneath those reefs!"

Galen nodded, his expression thoughtful. Taylor's speculation, based on the intelligence gathered, pointed to a sunken island. But Galen knew, with absolute certainty, that it was a sunken landmass: Vashj'ir! An area named after an ancient Highborne elf family surname, it had once been the ancestral territory of Vashj's own lineage. Vashj'ir had once boasted a thriving city, second only in splendor to the capital of the Night Elf Empire and the magnificent city of Suramar. It was this prestigious background that had allowed Vashj to rise above the many daughters of Highborne nobles and become Queen Azshara's chief handmaiden. However, with the catastrophic explosion of the Well of Eternity, the city of Vashj'ir had plunged into the depths of the sea. The Highborne elves within the city and their followers, desperate to escape the punishment of death, had chosen to follow their Queen into transformation, becoming the serpentine Naga sea witches.

"Have the things I asked you to prepare been distributed?" Galen inquired, stroking the short beard on his chin with his fingers, his gaze still fixed on the horizon.

"Your Majesty," Taylor replied, his voice firm, "I have distributed the diving helmets and underwater breathing potions to every naval soldier as you instructed."

"Very good, Taylor!" Galen patted the admiral's shoulder with a rare, satisfied warmth. This intimate gesture caused Taylor to feel a flush of flattered surprise. After all, he had not had much direct contact with his king in recent years, and he was not originally a member of the Prince's Guard. Most importantly, he hailed from the Kingdom of Stormwind, having only enlisted in the Stromgarde navy after fleeing as a refugee.

Taylor quickly saluted, his voice earnest. "This is what I should do, Your Majesty!"

"There's no need to be so restrained," Galen said, a genuine smile touching his lips. "In my eyes, you are the best naval commander in the kingdom. Work hard and continue to serve Trollbane. I will not be stingy with rewards!" Galen's words ignited a spark of profound excitement in Taylor. Galen was renowned for his fairness in meting out rewards and punishments, and his rewards were legendary—not only treasures that enhanced strength but also the option to choose custom-forged divine weapons. The treatment and benefits offered by the Stromgarde royal family were, without a doubt, the finest in all of Azeroth!

"Go, get ready. The fleet will set off in half an hour," Galen waved Taylor away, his expression suddenly turning solemn as he issued a final, crucial instruction: "Pay close attention to the movements of the seabed during the voyage, and beware of sneak attacks!"

Taylor initially assumed Galen was referring to the Naga's potential intrusion. However, the navy had already developed comprehensive plans to counter the Naga over the years, so there was little to worry about on that front. Perhaps His Majesty meant something else? Taylor's face grew solemn, and he replied cautiously, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will definitely strengthen the guard!"

The Stromgarde First Fleet set sail, a majestic armada cutting through the waves. Though Galen had personally designated it the "First Fleet," its formal, ingrained title, bestowed by his venerable father, the previous king, was the Arathi Storm! Galen had initially balked at the name, finding it awkward and outdated. Yet, for the sake of his aged father's authority and the delicate harmony of the Trollbane family, Galen had chosen to remain silent. Thus, after his ascension to the throne, he consistently referred to it as the "First Fleet," subtly attempting to diminish the very existence of the "Arathi Storm."

The journey from Balor Harbor to the western waters of Khaz Modan would span at least five days—a long, monotonous sea voyage that grated on Galen's patience. To alleviate the tedium, he retreated into the sanctuary of his own mind, seeking diversion by observing the myriad perspectives of his loyal followers.

He saw Onyxia standing vigilant guard over the Windrunner sisters in the Skywall. Alleria and Sylvanas were fully immersed in absorbing the residual wind elemental essence left by the Four Winds. If no unforeseen complications arose, the day they emerged from their seclusion would mark their glorious ascension to demigodhood. This was the path the sisters had chosen, a testament to the inherent strength of the Windrunner women. Though Galen was powerful enough to offer them, and indeed the entire high elf race, absolute shelter, they refused to be mere beautiful canaries confined to a gilded cage. Galen welcomed this fiercely independent spirit; after all, compared to Alleria's tragic corruption by the perilous void power and her transformation into a void elf in his previous life, becoming a wind elf was a far safer and more desirable destiny.

His mental gaze then shifted to Deepholm, where the shamans of the Earthen Ring had already established a secure base. Mother Stone Therazane had witnessed firsthand the immense devastation wrought upon the earth by the infernal dragon Sinestra and the insidious Twilight's Hammer. Though she had taken no direct action against the dragon, she had, in her own way, opened the doors of convenience for the shamans. As Galen's perception swept over the elemental plane, he discovered that High Shaman Muln Earthfury had already painstakingly repaired the World Pillar, shattered by Sinestra's wrath. Meanwhile, Varian Wrynn was leading the elite forces of the Stormwind Kingdom in a relentless assault on the Stonecore, where Grand Magus Azil, the high priestess of the Twilight's Hammer, stubbornly resisted their advance.

In the fiery heart of the Burning Steppes, the dwarves of the Council of Three Hammers had also pinpointed the precise location of Blackrock Depths. One of the primary reasons the Twilight Cult continued to flourish and expand so rapidly, even under Galen's covert control, was the alluring promise they offered to those who craved power: the Old God behind them not only intertwined with the very cycles of Azeroth's destruction and rebirth but also promised their most devout believers a new, empowered existence. Years of painstaking investigation by Hidden Blade agents had revealed that this "new life" involved transforming believers into a "greater" existence, reshaping cultists into terrifying Elemental Ascendants and monstrous Twilight Dragon Beasts.

The choice of Blackrock Mountain as their base of operations was strategic. Firstly, the surrounding fire elements remained abundant due to the persistent existence of the Molten Core. Secondly, Blackrock Mountain's central location within the Eastern Kingdoms provided convenient access for newly recruited members from human, dwarven, and gnomish territories. However, the Twilight Cult's large-scale activities within the Alliance's controlled areas were a blatant affront to the dwarves. The notoriously irritable Muradin Bronzebeard, Falstad Wildhammer, and Kurdran Wildhammer had personally led the elite Dark Iron dwarves, Vault Wardens, and the formidable Ironforge Iron Gunners. They had meticulously turned Blackrock Mountain upside down, leaving no stone unturned, until they finally unearthed the hidden location of Blackrock Depths.